\; - THE ^ 

EMIGRAIT'S &UIDE 

TO 

NEW MEXICO, CALIFORNIA, 

AND 

OREGON; 

GIVING THE DIFFERENT 

OVERLAND AND SEA ROUTES. 

rOMPILED^EROM RELIABLE AUTHORITIES. 

WITH A MAP. 



NEW YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY J. DISTURNELL, 

XO. 1 02 BROADWAY. 

1849. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, ill the year 1L'40> 

}3v J. DlioTURNELL, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Unittd States for U 
Southern Di?trict of New York. 



Chief -X- ^^xj^^^cti Offloe 
War Departm^ 
APR JIO 19311 



f><ro 



TO THE 



EMiaRAOT" FOR OALIFORNIA, etc. 



The compiler of this work having become acquaint- 
ed with the great want of correct information in rela- 
tion to the various routes to New Mexico, California 
and Oregon, has been induced to publish the following 
Guide, for the benefit of the emigrant and adventurer, 
'.Ii' • aving the Atlantic States, to visit or settle in the 
newly acquired territories of the Union, which are now 
nttr;icting the notice of the civihzed world. 

As the tide of emigration must continue to flow for 
3 time to come from the Middle, Northern, and^ 
Eastern States, it is mainly for that class of emigrant?; 
that this work is prepared, hoping that it may be found 
correct and useful. The compiler has had to rely 
mostly for his information on official documents and 
voluminous works that have appeared at different times, 
giving reliable information on the above interesting 
sections of country and the routes thereto, which run 
from the frontier settlements. It is therefore neces- 
sary that the emigrant, in going by land, across the 
Continer.t of America, should have some information as 
to the best rouiea to the Mississippi valley, across which 
they will have to pass on their long journey westward. 



ROUTES^PROM NEW YORK TO ST. LOUIS. 

The following described routes are recommended as 
being the most expeditious and cheapest for the emi- 
grant : — 

TaJdng New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore as a 
stai-ting point, there may be said to be three gi'eat 
lines of travel to the navigable waters of the lakes, or 
the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. 

ROUTES OF TRAVEL. 

\. Albany and Buffalo Route. 

Miles. 

New York to Buffalo— usual time, 2 days ; fare, $11 470 

Buffalo to Chicago, via steamboat on upper lakes,* usxial time, 

4 days ; fare, (including meals,) $10 ; 1,000 

Chicago to St. Louis, via canal and steamboat, usual time, 3 
days ; fare, (including meals,) $8 390 

Total— Time, 9 days ; usual fare, $29 miles 1,860 

2. Philadelphia and Pittsburg Route. 

New York to Pittsbm-g, Pa.— Time, 4 days ; fare, $16 477 

Pittsburg to Cincinnati— Time, 2^ days ; fai-e, $5, (including 

meals) 461 

Cincinnati to mouth of the Ohio River — Time, 2^ days .508 

Mouth of the Ohio River to St. Louis, Mo.— Time, 1 day 172 

Total— Time, 10 days ; fare, $28 miles 1,618 

(Fare from Cincinnati to St. Louis, $7, including meals.) 

3. Baltimore and Wheeling Route. 

Now York to Wheeling, Va.— Time, 2^ days ; fare, $17 496 

Wheeling to Cincinnati— Time, 2 days; fare, $4, (including 

meals) 355 

Cincinnati to St. Louis— Time, 3J days ; fare, $7, (including 

meals) -. 680 

Total— Time, 8 days ; fare, $28 miles 1,531 

*^* A saving of about one-third can be made on all the above routes 
by taking the second class conveyance. 

* Two days time can be saved by taking the railroad from Detroit 
to New Buflfelo, Mich., thence by steamboat to Chicago. &c. 



ROUTES FROM ST LOUIS TO INDEPENDENCE, Etc. 

When arrived at St. Louis, or the mouth of the Ohio 
River, (which should be some time during the month of 
April,) the emigrant can proceed on his westward jour- 
ne5% by the following routes : — 

1. From St. Louis to Independence, or Westport; 
distance about 450 miles by water ; cabin fare, $6 ; St. 
Joseph, Mo., about 50 miles further. 

All the above places afford facilities for the outfitting 
of the emigrant ; every necessary requisite for comfort 
on the road can be furnished at either of them, al- 
though some articles may be bought cheaper on the 
route before arriving at St. Louis. 

2. From St. Louis, or the mouth of the Ohio River, 
the emigrant can proceed by steamboat to Napoleon, 
Ark., 592 miles below St. Louis, and there embark for 
Van Buren, or Fort Smith, about 400 miles further. 
At either of these places, will be found all the ne- 
cessary facilities for starting from this point on the 
Arkansas River, and proceeding westward to New Mex- 
ico and California. 

3. From St. Louis, or the mouth of the Ohio River, 
the emigi-ant can also proceed by steamboat to New Or- 
leans, 1,212 miles below^ St. Louis, and embark for 
Galveston, Port Lavacca, or Corpus Christi ; thence 
proceed westward by the Texian, or Col. Hays' route, 
to El Paso and San Diego, on the Pacific ; all of which 
routes ai-e more fully described in the following pages. 

jSTew York, March, 1849. 



ESTIMATE OF AN OUTFIT. 

The following estimate of an outfit, for one year, 
for three persons, with ox teams, is copied from 
" The Emigrants' Guide to California,^^ by Joseph E. 
Ware, published by J. Halsall, St. Louis, Mo. : — 

Four yoke of oxen,* $50 each $200 00 

One wagon, cover, &c 

Three rifles, l|20 

Three pair pistols, $15 

Five barrels flour, 1080 lbs 

Bacon, 600 " , 



100 

Tea, 5 

Sugar, 150 

Rice, 75 

Fruit, dried, 50 

Salt, pepper, &c., 50 
Saleratus, 10 

Lead, HO 

Powder, 25 

Tools, &c., 25 

Mining tools, 36 

Tent, 30 

Bedding, 45 

Cooking utensils, 30 
Lard, 50 

Private baggage, 150 

Matches 

One mule 

Candles and soap 



100 00 


60 00 


45 00 


20 00 


30 00 


8 00 


" 75 


7 00 


3 75 


3 00 


3 00 


1 GO 


1 20 


5 50 


7 50 


12 00 


5 00 


22 50 


4 00 


2 50 


1 00 


50 00 


5 30 



Total 2,583 lbs $600 00 

Note. — ^Estimated cost for one person, $200 ; those 
having families, with children, will find it necessary to 
make nearly as large an estimate for children as an adult. 
Make no calculation on game, you will need that in 
addition ; as men, women, and children require much 
more food on the road than usual. 

[D' Do not leave home, or 'St. Louis, without pos- 
sessing the above Guide, also the best 7nap of Califor- 
nia, &c., that can be procured. ' 

* The teams for the Journey should be oxen or mules, either of 
which can be purchased at the frontier towns. Cows are often taken 
along for their milk, beiiii? sometimes the only dependence for drink. 



ROUTES 



NEW MEXICO, CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON, 



There are only three practicable starting points, or 
great lines of travel diverging from the Western States 
of the Union, and running across the Continent of 
America to the Pacific Ocean, terminating in California 
or Oregon. 

It may also be said that there are but three practica- 
ble passes across the Rocky Mountains, in pursuing 
the above journey, although travellers may diverge from 
the usual lines of travel, before arriving at the above 
passes in the mountains, viz : the Sauth Pass, the Santa 
Fe Pass, and the El Paso Route. 

The starting points recommended are as follows : — 

1. Commencing on the north, all the travellers or 
emigrants who make St. Louis, Missouri, a starting 
point, will find it to their advantage to proceed up the 
Missouri River, by steamboat, to Independence, or West- 
port Landing, about 500 miles by water; or to St. 
Joseph, Mo., 570 miles, (above Fort Leavenworth,) and 
their disembark and commence their land journey west- 
ward. 



8 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 

The emigrant starting from Independence, Westport, 
or Kanzas Landing, has a choice of routes, either to 
proceed in a north-west direction across the Kanzas Riv- 
er to the Platte, or Nebraska River, and go through 
the South Pass to Fort Hall, near where the routes di- 
verge for Oregon and California ; or proceed across the 
country in a south-west direction, to the Arkansas Riv- 
er, and thence to the city of Santa Fe, — on both of 
which routes will be found a good wagon road, during 
the summer months. 

2. The next starting point for the emigi-ant, on leav- 
ing for New Mexico or California, is from Van Buren, 
or Fort Smith, both situated on the Arkansas River, 
which is navigable thus far, about 400 miles from its 
mouth, during the most part of the year. This is usu- 
ally called Long's, or Gregg's route, and is highly spo- 
ken of by several officers of the American army. 

3. The more southern route is called the Texian, or 
Hays' route, diverging from Houston, Port Lavacca, or 
Corpus Christi, to which places steamboats run from 
Galveston and New Orleans. From the above ports, 
good roads run to Austin, or San Antonio de Bexar, 
thence across the country to El Paso, on about the 32d 
degree of north latitude. The Rio Grande is crossed 
at the latter place, and the route then passes westward 
through New Mexico and Sonora, to the river Gila, 
and thence runs west to San Diego, in California, sit- 
uated on the Pacific. 

There are several other points from which traders 
have started on proceeding across the country to New 
Mexico, &c., none of which, however, need be sepa- 
rately described, as they run into the above great lines, 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 'J 

except the Chihuahua Trail, which runs from Fulton, 
Arkansas, on Red River, and extends to the city of 
Chihuahua, crossing Hays' new route from Texas, west 
of the San Saba River. 

The attention of emigrants has also been called to 
the Rio Grande, which is navigable to Loredo, 600 or 
700 miles from its mouth. From the above place, and 
Comargo, good routes are said to exist running to Chi- 
huahua and Durango, in Mexico, thence to Mazatlan 
and other ports, on the Gulf of California, from whence 
vessels run to San Francisco, &c. 



FREMONT'S ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA AND OREGON. 

[Remarks by EdwiiN- Bryant, Esq., author of "What I saw in 
California."] 

" The route via Independence, or Si. Joseph, Mo., to 
Fort Laramie, South Pass, Fort Hall, — the Sink of 
Mai-y's River, &c. (thence to Suter's Fort,) the old 
route, — is the best. Let no emigi'ant, canying his fam- 
ily with him, deviate from it, or imagine to himself that 
he can find a better road. This road is the best that 
has yet been discovered, (to Oregon and California,) 
leading to the bay of San Francisco and the Gold Re- 
gion, and is much the shortest. 

" Tlie lightest wagon that can be constructed of suf- 
ficient strength to carry twenty-five hundred pounds 
weight, is the vehicle most desirable. This wagon can 
be hauled by three or four yokes of oxen, or six mules. 
Pack-mules can only be employed by parties of men. 

" The provisions actually necessary for a man are as 
follows : — 160 lbs. flour, 150 lbs. bacon, 25 lbs. coffee, 
30 lbs. sugar. Added to these, the main items, there 
should be a small quantity of rice, 50 or 75 lbs. crack- 
ers, dried peaches, &c., and a keg of lard, with salt, 



10 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 

pepper, vinegar, &e. Every man should be provided 
with a good rifle, and, if convenient, with a. pair of pis- 
tols, five pounds of powder, and ten pounds of lead. 
With tlie wagon, there should be carried such carpen- 
ter's tools as a handsaw, augur, gimblet, chisel, shaving- 
knife, &c., an axe, hammer and hatchet. Families, as 
well as parties going out, should carry with them good 
tents, to be used after their arrival as houses. 

" Emigrants should be at Independence, Mo., or the 
point of starting, by the 20th April, and start as soon 
thereafter as the grass on the prairies will permit. This 
is on the first of May, and sometimes ten days later, 
according to the season." 

[From the St. Louis Republican, March IGth, 1845).] 

" We are indebted to a friend, who sends us some 
interesting information from New Mexico, for some 
useful hints as to the best route for emigrants to Cali- 
fornia. He says that emigrants for California or Ore- 
gon, by the way of Independence, Kanzas Landing, or 
Westport, will find an excellent ford across the Kanzas 
River, at Uniontown, within the Pottawatomie country. 
They will thus avoid the Kanzas River ferry, on the 
old Oregon route, and shorten the distance one day's 
travel. It is the intention to have a good ferry at Union- 
town, (which, it may be observed, is the trading post 
among the Pottawatomie Indians,) in the event of high 
water. The citizens of Jackson and Van Buren coun- 
ties are well pi-epared to furnish emigrants with cattle 
and mules, provisions, «Stc. ; and the towns of Indepen- 
dence, Westport and Kanzas, can supply every article 
requisite for the journey, at moderate rates. Even af- 
ter the teams have started, they can obtain corn and 
oats, for the horses and cattle, from the Shawnee In- 
dians, who inhabit the country over which the route 
passes. At Uniontown, the traders with the Indians 
have a good supply of all articles of provisions, &c. 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 11 

" Tlie South Pass of the Rocky Mountains is dis- 
tant from Fort Laramie 300 miles, or about 950 from 
Independence, Mo. Altitude, 7,490 feet above tide- 
waters. It is difficult, from the gradual ascent to the 
Pass, to find the precise summit; the point, or dividing- 
ridge, is between two low hills, about 60 feet high. 
The Pass is about 19 miles in width, without any 
gorge-like appearance." 

The Pass of the Sierra Nevada, or Snowy Mountains, 
near Pyramid Lake, is a very different aflijiir. " We as- 
sure you that you will be tried to the utmost, in view 
of the appalling obstacles to be surmounted. The ele- 
vation of the Pass is 9,338 feet* above the sea. This 
is about 2,000 feet higher than the South Pass, in the 
Rocky Mountains, yet many peaks in view are several 
thousand feet higher, the tops being covered with 
snow. When on the summit, you may consider your- 
selves victorious over the mountains, having only 100 
miles before you, in order to reach Suter's Fort, or 
New Helvetia — thence to San Francisco, by water, is 
about 90 miles further. 

" The distance from Pyramid Lake to the summit of 
the mountain, is about 65 miles. The descent on the 
\A'est is dow^n Bear Creek, a small tributary of Feather 
River; and the valley of the Sacramento is reached 
without further difficulty, 40 miles nortli of New 
Helvetia. This Pass is the one generally travelled by 
emigrants, and should never be attempted after the 
middle of October." 

Note, — A new route has lately been discovered 
across the Sierra Nevada, or Snowy Mountains of Cal- 
ifornia. It diverges from Mary's River to Mud Lake, 
thence in a north-west direction, to LawsoJi^s Pass, — 
striking the head sources of the Sacramento River, 
near Mt. Tsashtl, or Shaste. 

* According to Fremont, 7,200 feet above the level of the sea. 



12 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 



FROM WESTPORT, MO., TO ASTORIA, OREGON, VIA THE SOUTH PASS. 

From 
Miles. Westport. 

We STPORT to the crossing of Kaiizas River 85 

Crossing to Platte River from Blue River 190 275 

Platte River 25 300 

Junction North and South Forks 115 415 

Crossing of the South Fork 35 450 

North Fork Platte River 13 463 

Chimney Rock 102 565 

Scott's Blutf and Spring 27 592 

Fort Laramie 48 640 

Crossing North Fork, opposite Laramie Peak 48 688 

Re-crossing North Fork to south side 18 706 

RedButtes 64 770 

Rock Independence, on Sweetwater River 35 805 

South Pass 95 900 

Crossing Green River 60 960 

Bear River 105 1,065 

Beer Spring 75 1,140 

Fort Hall., on south-east side Snake River 40 1,180 

Crossing Snake River 163 1,343 

Boisee River 60 1,403 

FortBoisee 57 1,460 

Fort Wallah- Wallah, on the Columbia 210 1,670 

Cascades 150 1,820 

Astoria 120 1,940 

(From Fort Hall to Great Salt Lake, 100 miles; to the Mormon set- 
tlement, 60 miles further.) 

FROM FORT HALL TO SUTER's FORT, ON SACRAMENTO RIVER, VIA 

lawson's pass. 

FoRT Hall to Goose Creek 72 

Mary's River 123 195 

Down Mary's River 230 425 

Mud Lake 30 455 

Lawson''s Pass, Sierra Nevada 105 560 

Mount Tsashtl 110 670 

SuTER's FoRT 180 850 

(From Fort Hall to Suter's Fort, by nearest route, 800 miles. From 
Suter's Fort, by water, to San Francisco, 90 miles.) 



ROUTE FROM FORT HALL TO FORT WALLAH-WAL- 
LAH, ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER. 

The emigi-ant route from Fort Hall to Oregon ex- 
tends westward, running on the south side of Lewis or 
Snake River, passing the American Falls, 18 miles, and 
Salmon Falls, 140 miles below Fort Hall. Twenty 
miles below the latter falls, the route crosses Snake 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 13 

River, and extends on the north side 120 miles further, 
to Fort Boisee. Here the route again crosses Lewis, 
or Snake River, running on the south-west side, at a 
considerable distance from the stream, to Fort Wallah- 
Wallah, situated on the south side of the Columbia. 
From Fort Wallah- Wallah to the Cascades, is 150 
miles ; here the Columbia River has a fall, in about two 
miles, of 40 feet, rendering it impassable for boats ; 
and a portage of two and a half miles lias to be made. 
Below this point, the river is navigable, for large ves- 
sels, to its month, 120 miles further. 



G-EN. KEARNY'S ROUTE 

FROM FORT LEAVENWORTH TO SAN DIEGO, COMPUTED BY WILLIAM 
II, EMORY, BREVET MAJOR CORPS TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS. 

From 

Stopping Places. jyiilcs. Fort L. 

Fort Leavenworth, (N. lat. 39 deg. 21 min. 14 sec.) 

Crossing Oregon Trail 43 43 

Council Grove 81 124 

Diamond Spring 20 144 

Cotton Wood Creek 29 173 

Arkansas River 80 253 

Pawnee Fork 35 288 

Jackson's (Jrove , 64 352 

Arkansas C.ossing 32 384 

Bent's For! 180 564 

Raton Pas> 104 668 

Canadian River 17 685 

Vegas 107 792 

Santa Fe, (N. lat. 35 deg. 41 min. 06 sec.) 81 873 

San Filippe, on Rio del Norte 37 910 

Albuquerque 28 938 

Copper Mines 216 1,154 

Rio Gila 55 1,209 

Rio San Francisco 160 1,369 

Rio San Pedro 59 1,428 

Coco Marikopos 89 1,517 

Mouth of Rio Gila • 170 1,687 

Carisco Creek 99 1,786 

Warner's Rancho 51 1,837 

San Diego, (N. lat. 32 deg. 45 min. 00 sec.) 79 1,916 

This has become the usual travelled route for troops 
between Fort Leavenworth and Santa Fe, since Gene- 
ral jF^arny's successful expedition^ in- 1846, although 



14 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 

the most direct route is to cross the /Arkansas River, 
384 miles from Fort Leavenworth, and then proceed 
across a barren track of country to the Cim.aron, and 
different branches of the Canadian Uiver, through San 
Miguel to Santa Fe. This route is said to afford a 
good wagon road the enth'e distance, although in some 
places there is a scarcity of wood and water. Immense 
herds of buffaloes are usually encountered, however, 
affording an abundant supply of fresh meat. 

Roving tribes of Indians are often met with, who 
sometimes rob and murder small parties of travellers, 
or strangers, who fall into their hands. It is therefore 
much the safest to proceed across the country in large 
parties, and then strict caution and vigilance is re- 
quired to prevent horses and cattle from being stolen 
by Indians during the night, while the travellers are 
encamped on the open prairie. 

On leaving Santa Fe for California, tlie emigrant, or 
traveller, has a choice of routes, to take the Spanish 
Trail that leads west to the City of the Angels, or to 
proceed down the Rio Grande toward the copper mines, 
and thence to the river Gila, as pursued by Gen, 
Kearny, or take Col. Cooke's route still further south, 
in order to obtain a wagon road the entire route from 
Santa Fe to San Diego. 

(Official.) Headquarters, Army of the We.st, 

San Diego, U. C, December 12, IdW. 

"Sir: As I have previously reported to you, I left 
•Santa Fe (New Mexico) for this country, on. the 25tli 
of September, with three hundred of the 1st dragoons, 
under Major Sumner. We eroGsed to the bank of the 
Del Nort^ at Albuoueraue, 65 miles bslov/ Santa Fe, 
continued down on 'that bank till the 6th of October, 
when we met Mr. Kit Carson, with a party of sixteen 



CALIiOKxMA, AND OKEGO>. la 

men, on his way to Washington city, with a mail and 
papers — an express from Commodore Stockton and 
Lieut. Col. Fremont, reporting that the Californias 
were already in possession of the Americans under 
their command, that the American flag was flying from 
every important position in the territory, and that tlie 
country was forever free from Mexican control; the 
war elided, and peace and harmony established am-ong 
the people. 

''- In consequence of this information, I directed that 
300 dragoons, under Major Sumner, should remain in 
New Mexico, and that the other 100, with two m.oun- 
tain howitzers, under Captain Moore, should accom.- 
pany me as a guard to Upper California, With this 
guard we continued our march to the south, on the 
right bank of the Del Norte, to the distance of about 
two hundred and thirty miles below Santa Fe, when, 
leaving that river on the 15th of October, in about the 
33d deg. of latitude, we marched westw^ard for the 
copper mines, which we reached on the 18th, and on 
the 20th reached the river Gila, crossing and recrossing 
it as often as obstructions in our front rendered ne- 
cessary ; on the 11th November, reached the Pimos 
village, about 80 miles from the settlements in Sonera. 
These Indians we found honest, and living comfortably, 
having made a good crop this year : and we remained 
with them two days, to rest our men, recruit our ani- 
mals and obtain provisions. On the 22d November 
reached the mouth of the Gila, in latitude about 32 de- 
grees — our whole march on this river having been 
nearly 500 miles, and, with very little exception, be- 
tween the 32d and 33d parallels of latitude. 

•' This river (the Gila,) more particularly the north- 
ern side, is bounded nearly the wliole distance by a 
range of lofty mountains ; and if a tolerable wagon 
road to its mouth from the Del Norte is ever discov- 
ered, it must be on the south side. I'he country is 
destitute of timber, producing but fev/ ecttcii wood and 
mesquite trees; and though the soil on the bottom 



16 ROUTES TO NEAV MEXICO, 

lands is generally good, we found but very little grass 
or vegetation in consequence of the dryness of the cli- 
mate and the little rain which falls here. The Pimos 
Indians, who make good crops of wheat, corn, vegeta- 
bles, &.C., irrigate the land by water from the Gila, as 
did the Aztecs (the former inhabitants of the country,) 
the remains of whose sequias, or little canals, were 
seen by us, as well as the position of many of their 
dwellings, and a large quantity of broken pottery and 
earthenware used by them. 

"We crossed the Colorado about 10 miles below 
the mouth of the Gila, and marching near it about 30 
miles farther, turned off and crossed the desert — a dis- 
tance of about 60 miles — without water or grass. 

" On the 2d of December, reached Warner's rancho, 
(Agua Caliente,) the frontier settlement in California, 
on the route leading to Sonora. On the 4th, marched 
to Mr. ytokes's rancho, (San Isabella,) and on the 5th 
were met by a small party of volunteers, under Capt. 
Gillespie, sent out from San Diego by Commodore 
Stockton, to give us what information they possessed 
of the enemy, 600 or 700 of whom are now said to be 
in ai'm_s and in the field throughout the territory, deter- 
mined upon opposing the Americans and resisting their 
authority in the country. Encamped that night near 
another rancho (San Maria) of Mr. Stokes's, about 40 
miles from San Diego. 

" The journals and maps kept and prepared by Capt. 
Johnson, (my aid-de-camp,) and those by Lieut. Eraoiy, 
topographical engineers, which will accompany or fol- 
low this report, will render anything further from me 
on this subject unnecessary. Very respectfully, 

" J. W. Kearny, Bl-ig. Gen. U. "S. A." 



MAJOR COOKE'S ROUTE. 
Report, dated Washington-i December 6, 1847. 

" Sir : I have the honor, at your request, to address 
vo-u a brief jnenioir on the subject of the district of 



CALli^OKNIA, AND OREGON. IV 



country in Sonora, Mexico, which I passed over in No- 
vember and December last, with a wagon train, when I 
deviated, in search of a practicable route, from the 
mule trail of Brigadier General S. W. Kearny, on his 
march from New Mexico to California. 

" When he turned oif from the Rio Grande, oppo- 
site the copper mines and the heads of the Gila River, 
I kept tlie river for thirty miles to the south, and 
making a southern bend, turned again towards the 
north, and struck his route (as surveyed by Mr. Emory 
of your corps) just above the village of the Pimo and 
Maracopa Indians, an estimated distance of 444 miles. 

" Immediately below the point of deviation, on the 
Rio Grande, the country bordering the river became 
sensibly flatter and less broken. I left the river when 
in view of a point marked on the common maps as 
' San Diego,' and the distant view tow^ards ' El Paso' 
proved the country to be unbroken and comparatively 
level. 

" From the high valley of the river I ascended to the 
table-land of Mexico, by an almost insensible slope, 
over smooth prairie. For 150 miles on this smooth 
level table land, which is studded with isolated hills or 
mountains, I journeyed without any difficulty, passing 
over but three hills, in two cases, I know, in the third, 
I believe, unnecessarily. I then, unexpectedly and 
suddenly, arrived at a great break oiEf to a lower level 
of country, the descent to which was very broken and 
rough mountains for fifteen miles. I found, however, 
that I had at that moment fallen into an old wagon 
trail, which led, I was told, from Yanos. I was able to 
get my wagons through, following a stream all the 
way, and descending in the fifteen miles possibly a, 
thousand feet. This was the head of the Huaqui 
River, which empties into the California gulf. I -was 
told that this was called the Pass of Guadaloupe. 

" I then passed an unbroken country, about 80 miles, 
when I fell upon the Jose Pedro River, which empties 
into ^the Gila. I descended this without difficulty of 



ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO. 



ground about 80 miles. In turning off there is an as- 
cent to nearly level country of, perhaps, above an hun- 
dred feet, but it could be made very gradual. It is 
then about 48 miles to Tueson, a town of about 500 
inhabitants, with a fort and garrison. This distance is 
over much smooth ground, maintaining the same gene- 
ral level. Tueson is in a rich and well cultivated val- 
ley, where there is also a dense forest of maguey. 
From Tueson it is some 76 miles to the Gila. It is a 
level plain, generally of clay, where my wagons and 
footmen (water being very scarce) passed at the rate 
of about 30 miles a day. 

" On the map which I made, and which is in your 
bureau, is marked a route considerably to the north of 
Guadaloupe pass, which, some of my guides believed, 
would avoid that broken descent, and be found to be 
nearly level throughout to San Pedro, at the point 
where I turned off from that beautiful little river. The 
most sensible and experienced of these men, Laroux, 
who lives in Taos, New Mexico, and who had trapped 
on the Gila and passed in a different direction over 
that country, was decidedly of this opinion, but his 
knowledge, on the other hand, was sufficient to forbid 
to explore it, in ray situation, on account of scarcity of 
water. 

" The Rio Grande bottoms for a hundred miles above, 
and at the point where I left, are well timbered ; there 
is no timber on the table land, save upon the small 
mountains which are everywhere to be seen ; this is 
cedar and pine, but of small growth. Rock is every- 
where to be had, secondary rocks of almost every kind ; 
but by this wonderfully level route, the continent may 
be passed with scarcely a view of granite. As far as:. 
Tueson the gTama grass is abundant ; it will fatten 
cattle while working, and in winter. Tlie route from 
Tueson passes through a country abounding in exceed- 
ingly rich gold mines. 

"I am, veiy respectfully, sir, your obedient cervani, 
"P. St. Geo. Cooke, Maj. 2d Dragoons." 

To Col. J. J. Aeert, Tnji. Jtnff. 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 19 

The Spanish Trail, the usual route from Santa Fe 
to California, passing over the southern part of the 
central section, is an old but somewhat dangerous 
route. The traders represent it as a waste of land, 
with here and there mountains which have streams 
flowing from them, and losing themselves in the sand, 
or emptying into the Colorado ; their banks ai-e lined 
with willows and cotton-wood trees ; but little or no 
grass, however, is to be obtained. On the eastern bor- 
der of this sandy desert is " Las Vegas de Santa Clara," 
a rich mountain valley, ten miles long and one mile 
wide, abounding with excellent springs and quantities 
of good gi-ass, which is a favorite halting-place. The 
difficulties of this route are increased by the dangers of 
attack from Indians, who frequent this trail for the 
purpose of plundering the unprotected caravan and 
travellers. 



FORT SMITH (Arkansas; ROUTE, 

From the head of steamboat navigation, on the Ark- 
ansas River, to Santa Fe, is less, by about 300 miles, 
than from Independence, Mo., to Santa Fe. The emi- 
grant from the east can start from Memphis, Tenn., or 
any point on the Mississippi River, and proceed to Van 
Bm-en, Ark., or to Fort Smith, by steamboat. 

[Extract from a letter written by Brig. Oen. Jirhucklc^ dated Fort 
Smith, Jlrk., JVovcviber 20, 1848.] 

" I do not entertain a doubt but that, upon an impar= 
tial examination, this would be found to be the best 
point for emigrants, going to New Mexico and Califor- 
nia, to asGemble and make preparations for their jour- 
ney, as even^thing necessary for their s^ibsisfence and 



20 KOUTKtt TO i\KW MKXICO, 

triinsportaiioii can be forwarded as cheap here, and witli 
as great facility as at any other point. There are many 
other advantages which it possesses, the most impor- 
tant of which is that its location may be considered at 
the head of navigation of the most important river of 
the State, where steamboats can reach for a considera- 
ble portion of the year. In connection with these con- 
siderations, it is well ascertained that the route from 
this place is the nearest that can be found from our fron- 
tier to New Mexico and California. 

" All the information I have been able to obtain con- 
vinces me that a road should be laid out from this point 
to the head branches of the Washita River, a distance 
of about 315 miles. It is believed this road should 
pass entirely on the south side of the Canadian River, 
and approacli near to it opposite Chauteau's trading- 
house, which is located on the north side of the river, 
and but a short distance from it. This belief is based 
upon personal observation, in connection with informa- 
mation obtained from some of the most experienced 
explorers. This route would be freer from obstructions, 
by water courses, than any other that can be selected. 
It will pass through a country that, in a few years, will 
probably furnish all the supplies necessary for the sub- 
sistence and comfort of travellers from the head waters 
of the Washita ; the proposed route would run over a 
prairie country, gently undulating, and well suited for a 
good road, intersecting Gregg's course on his return 
from Santa Fe to the United States, about 60 or 80 
miles from tlie Washita, and continuing with it to the 
table lands on the western border of the plains — in all 
a distance of about 165 miles — leaving the Pilot Hills 
to the south. These table lands are reported to be very 
fertile, and to afford sufficient wood and water for a con- 
siderable settlement. Here the direct route to Califor- 
nia would leave Gregg's trail, and incline slightly to the 
south of west, for a distance of about 70 miles, to the 
Pescos River, an eastern branch of the Rio del Norte, 
proceeding on the same course to La Joya, a village 



UALliOKNlA, AND UULtiON, -I 



situated on the Rio Grande, or del Norte, and v\ liicli is 
believed to be the proper point at wiiicli to cross that 
river, on the most direct practicable route to California. 
" I have availed myself of the most reliable maps in 
computing the distances on the route I have described, 
which makes the distance from Fort Smith to La Joya 
635 miles ; being at least 200 miles less than the route 
from Independence, Missouri. In addition to the above, 
the travel would commence one month sooner, as the 
route runs througli a much warmer latitude, and \ege- 
lation is consequently much earlier."' 

{^Extract from a letter loritte^i by Major SunnevUie, dnltd Cnlisle, 
Pa,, October 23, 1848, 071 the same subject.'] 

" This route possesses so many advantages over any 
other, that the government cannot turn away from facts 
indispensably useful and economical to them. It is 
shorter, is more level, has water and good encampments 
every mile of the way. It is settled one-third of the 
way, and beef and corn can be purchased thus fiu". It 
can be travelled earlier in the spring, and later in the 
fall, and, besides, possesses advantages not found else- 
where — the Canadian River affording quantities of 
sweet cotton wood, rushes, and winter grass, enables 
parties of size to travel it at all seasons. Even when 
the prairie bottoms are burnt the Canadian bottoms are 
jilways safe." 

After arriving at Santa Fe by the above route, the 
emigrant lias the choice of proceeding by the way of 
Kearny's march to San Diego on the Pacific, or proceed 
in a westerly direction, by the old Spanish Trail, to the 
City of the Angels, and from thence along the coast to 
San Francisco. 



22 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 



STEAMBOAT ROUTES, Etc. 

New Orleans to Galveston, Texas 450 miles. 

Galveston to Houston 80 "■ 

Total 530 '^ 

New Orleans to Port Lavacca, Texas 500 miles. 

Port Lavacca to San Antonio de Bexar, mail route 140 " 

San Antonio de Bexar to Fredericksburg 60 " 

Fredericksburg to El Paso, Chihuahua 340 " 

El Paso to San Diego, California 837 " 

Total 1,877 " 



ROUTE FROM TEXAS TO SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, 
VIA EL PASO. 

Col. Hays' Route, as it is usually called, is thus de- 
scribed in a late Texian paper : — 

" The country between the San Saba (a tributary of 
the Colorado) and the Pecos, is mostly a level plain. 
Wagons can pass without difficulty from the head of 
the San Saba River to El Paso at all seasons of the 
year. The route leading by Fredericksburg on the 
Llano is recommended as the best. From Houston to 
Fredericksburg there is a plain wagon road, practicable 
at all seasons for wagons. Here, then, is an excellent 
route, abounding with good pasturage, and well fur- 
nished with water, extending from Houston, Texas, to 
El Paso, Chihuahua, and only 580 miles long. 

" Major Cook makes the distance from El Paso to 
San Diego 837 miles ; consequently, the distance from 
Houston to San Diego, in California, by El Paso, is 
only 1,417 miles. 

" The emigrant may travel through the whole dis- 
tance at comparatively small expense, and his animals be 
kept in as good condition on the mesquit and buffalo 
grass of Texas, and the bunch grass of New Mexico 
and California, as tl.r y would be on the prairie roads of 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 23 

Illinois. This is emphatically the emigi-ant's route to 
California, for on it he can transport his family and ag- 
ricultural implements more speedily, more safely, and 
uith less expense than on any other route that has yet 
been explored. 

" From New Orleans to San Antonio is seven or 
eight days travel, by way of Galveston and Houston, 
or by Port Lavacea. The steamboats leave New Or- 
leans for Galveston every five days. It is hence five 
or six days travel to San Antonio. Horses and mules, 
serviceable for the overland journey from San Antonio 
to California, can be got at reasonable prices in Texas. 
The chief advantage of the route through Texas, by 
the Paso del Norte and down the Gila, appears to me 
to be the small danger of life in comparison with the 
route by Chagres, or through Central Mexico," 

Emigrants mshing to go to California by the way of 
Santa Fe, can proceed up the valley of the Pescos, 
through a level section of country, to the capital of 
New Mexico, where he will reach the great highway or 
Spanish Trail crossing the country to Cuidad de Los An- 
gelos, and thence proceed north to San Francisco. 

Gen. Worth is to leave San Antonio on the first of 
April, for the purpose of establishing a military post 
opposite El Paso, on the Rio Grande, and will be ac- 
companied by Col. Hays, and together they will visit 
the River Gila. Tliis expedition will establish the route 
to California. Many adventurers from Texas and else- 
where will follow General Worth's detachment on its 
march. The Corpus Christi Star says the United 
States engineers have expressed a decided opinion that 
Corpus Christi is the most advantageous point on the 
Gulf Coast for communicating with the line of the Rio 
Grande. 



24 KOUTKS ru NEW MEXICO, 

The Brownsville Flag has some remarks and argu- 
ments to prove that the best route to California is by 
the valley of the Rio Grande. 

[Extract from a Oalvcstoii paper, dated February 16, 1849.] 
NAVIGATION OF THE ItlO CJKANDE. 

" This stream is navigable for steamboats drawing 
three and a half feet water, to Loredo. Abo^'e that 
point there are rapids in the stream, and rocks ^vhich 
obstruct navigation, although it is supposed the i-iver 
could be rendered navigable for small steamboats to the 
Presidio. Between Presidio and San Carlos, the river 
is hemmed in by mountain clitfs, represented to be only 
a few rods apart, and the river glides through these 
deep chasms with frightful velocity. No steamboat 
could stem the current if there was a sufficient depth 
of water. These rapids, it is supposed, will form insu- 
perable obstacles to the navigation of the Upper Rio 
Grande, either by steamers or even flat boats." 

COL. hays' route from HOUSTON, TEXAS, TO SAN DIEGO, CALIKORNIA. 
VIA EL PASO. 

From 
Stoppinrr Places. .Mil.es. Houston. 

Houston 

Austin 170 170 

Fredericksburg 70 '240 

Head San Saba River 90 330 

Puerco River 75 405 

El Paso, Chihuahua 175 580 

Santa Cruz, Soiiora 270 850 

Pimos Village, on the Gila 150 1,000 

Mouth of the Gila River 188 1,188 

Carisco Creek, (passing Sandy Desert) 100 1,288 

Warner's Rancho 50 1,388 

San Diego 79 1,417 

[Extract from a letter, dated Port Lavacca, February Htli, 1849.] 

" This city is on Lavacca Bay, 35 miles from the Gulf, 
and 140 from San Antonio de Bexar, by mail route. 
It is reached by entering at Pass Cavallo to Matagor- 
da Bay, thence up to this point. On the bar at the Pass 



CAIJFORMA, ANU OKEt^ON. 'J.J 

there is usually eleven feet water, although at times 
less than ten feet, with not a diiticult entrance. Vessels 
drawing over seven feet cannot well reach here, having 
to cross a sand-bar at Indian Point, atanuid-bar at Gal- 
leppar Point, seven and ten miles below here. 

" It seems to be a conceded fact that the distance 
from Galveston to El Paso on the Del Norte or Rio 
Grande, is short of 600 miles, with an entire passable 
road for wagons. The more timiiliar route leads up 
the valley of the Colorado, one of the finest streams in 
Texas — along the San Saba, a tributary of the Colora- 
do — striking the Gila, which takes the pr.rty nearly to 
their destination. The distance from El Paso to San 
Diego is not hr from 800 miles — making tlu; whole 
distance from Galveston to the "diggins" about 1,400 
miles. The cost to the emigrant cannot exceed $30 or 
$40 after he is astride his mule or mustang — j^roperly 
provided — possibly not half this amount. 

" The entire route — and I think this an important 
consideration — lies between the latitudes .30 and 35 d.Qg. 
so there can be little danger of suffering from heat or 
cold. 

" The farther west the emigrant goes, the cheaper he 
will find the animals — mules, mustangs, and Indian po- 
Jiies. I would advise parties to take along wagons suf- 
ficient to transport their provisions, mining and other 
implements, to points where they can obtain their riding 
and packing beasts to suit their views — when, if they 
wish, they can dispose of all or part of their wagons 
in exchange. 

" I am staying at a genteel private hotel, where board 
is eight ' bits ' per day, or $25 per month. The bill 
of fare consists in part of bacon, (the dish of Texas,) 
venison, game, beef, green vegetables, fish, corn bread 
and pecans." 



2G ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 

SEA ROUTES. 
UNITED STATES MAIL STEAMSHIP COMPANY. 

ROUTE FROM NEW YORK TO CHAGRE3, VIA HAVANA AND NEW ORLKAN3. 

Miles from Fai-e from 

PORTS. port to port. Time. New York. 

New York ... 

Charleston 800 2i days, $20 

Savannah 100 ^ " 25 

Havana 800 3^ " 70 

New Orleans 700 2^ " 75 

Chaqres 1,500 5 " 150 

STEAMERS. 

Isthmus, 500 tons. Captain James G. Baker. 
Falcon, 1000 tons. Captain W. T. Thompson. 
Georgia, 2700 tons. 
Ohio, 2500 tons. 

One of the above vessels will leave New York and 
ChagTes twice every month, stopping at the above ports, 
connecting- wilh the Pacific Mail Steamers at Panama. 



BRITISH ROYAL MAIL STEAM PACKET SHIP ROUTE, FROM NEW YORK, 
VIA BERMUDA, TO VERA CRUZ. 

Miles from Fare from 

PORTS. port to port. Time. New York. 

From New York ... 

To Bermuda 700 3^ days. $40 

" Nassau 775 4 " 90 

" Havana 360 2 '^ 100 

" Cat Island, (N.Orleans,) 664 3^ " 140 

'^ Tampico* 583 3 " 170 

" Vera Cruz 205 1 " 170 

From Havana to Jamaica 740 4J- " $140 

ROb'TE FROM JAMAICA TO ST. JUAN DE NICARAGUA, VIA CHAORES. 

Miles from Fare from 

PORTS. port to port. Time. New York. 

From Jamaica ... 

To Santa Martha 440 2^ days. $150 

" Carthagena 105 i " 155 

" Chagres 280 H « 170 

" St. Juan de Nicaragua. . 240 li « 185 

* The British steamers usually run from Cat Island direct to Vera 
Cruz, and thence to Tampico on the return trip. 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 



DIRECT ROUTE FOR SAN FRANCISCO, VIA CHAGRES. 

The new and splendid steamship Crescent City, 
1,500 tons burthen, Charles Stoddard, master, will leave 
for Chagres direct, from her dock, at Pier 4, North Riv- 
er, on Tuesday, the 17th April, at 1 o'clock. 

Passengers for California will find this the most ex- 
peditious and pleasant route to reach the Gold Regions 
— and as the Crescent City goes direct to Chagres, 
without stopping at intermediate pm-ts, they will, without 
fail, arrive at Panama in time for the Pacific Mail Steam- 
er Oregon, of the 1st of May. 

The steamer Orus is now on the river at Chagres, 
and passengers will find an ample supply of canoes and 
mules to convey them across the Isthmus to Panama. 

Passage in the after saloon $150 

" " forward saloon 115 

" " lower cabin 115 

" " steerage 80 

Eight cubic feet of baggage allowed each cabin pas- 
senger, and six feet allowed each steerage passenger. 

Freight on specie 1 per cent ; on extra baggage, 70 
cents per foot. 



ROUTE FROM HAVANA TO NEW ORLEANS AND 
VERA ORUZ. 

From Havana to Vera Cruz direct, the distance is 
about 800 miles ; usual time, four days. The Ameri- 
can steamers, however, run from Havana to the city of 
New Orleans, and thence direct to Chagres. The 
British steamers run from Havana to Cat or Ship 
Island, the outport for New Orleans, and then proceed 
to Vera Cruz, a distance of 7 or 800 miles. 

In sailing vessels, the passage through the Gulf of 
Mexico is often very tedious, owing to the frequent 
calms. But the number and variety of the finny tribes, 



28 KOUTKS TO NEW MEXICO, 

the birds, the multitudes of flying-fishes, which support 
themselves out of water for a considerable time, the 
dolphins, and the glorious evening appearance of the 
sky, are constant sources of enjoyment. 

The voyager may also be subject to the influence of 
one of those fierce blasts that come on suddenly from 
the north, called " Nortes." The effect of these gales 
are to be feared, should a sailing ship be near the 
shore; but in a steamer they are of trifling conse- 
quence, except that they may for a time prevent the 
passenger from embarking or landing. 

Should the atmosphere happen to be clear, you may 
catch a view of the snow-covered peak of Orizava, the 
" Star Mountain," elevated 17,375 feet above the level 
of the sea. It is said to be visible in clear weather, at 
sea, at the distance of 150 miles. Its distance from 
Vera Cruz is about 60 miles, west. Its form is con- 
ical. In 1545, and for twenty years afterwards, it was 
in volcanic action, since which time there has been no 
visible appearance of eruption. The Coffer of Perote, 
another high mountain, is also visible from a great dis- 
tance ; it is to the right of Orizava, with which it is 
connected by a chain of intervening mountains. 

Point Delgado, a lofty rock, is the first portion of 
the coast that appears in sight. Then, steering south- 
ward, the light-house and castle of San Juan de Ulua 
become visible, and afterwards Vera Cruz appears, 
which, with its numerous red and white cupolas, domes, 
towers, and battlements, presents a splendid appear- 
ance from the water. 

Ships anchor under the western wall of the castle, 
distance about half a mile from the mole, or landing 



CALIFOKNIA, AND OKEGON. 2*J 

place, at tlie city. Passengers are landed in shore- 
boats, at a charge of from one to five dollars, according 
to the quantity of luggage, all of which must be exam- 
ined at the entering office of the port, and a duty paid 
on articles of merchandise. 

Passengers must bring passports from the ministers 
or consuls of the Republic abroad, without which they 
cannot land ; and in embarking, they must procure 
passports from the proper authorities, at Vera Cruz. 
The cost is two dollars, and they will have to attend 
personally. 

On entering the gates from the Mole, the French 
hotel of Auguste is immediately in front. The hotel 
most resorted to by the English and Americans is the 
Casa de Diligencias, situated in the principal square, 
which is by far the best hotel in the place. 

The usual mode of travelling to the interior is by 
coach, or diligence, which leaves for the city of Mexico 
three times a week, and is four days on its transit. 
The distance is 250 miles, and the fare, by coach, $50. 

Packet ships pass to and from New York once a 
month, or oftener. The cabin fare is usually $126. 
The Royal Mail steamers visit Vera Cruz twice, and 
Tampico once, each month. The steamer, after she 
has landed her mails and passengers at Vera Cruz, 
proceeds to Tampico, where, having waited long 
enough to receive the mails, passengers, and specie, 
from thence retraces her course to Vera Cruz. She 
then returns to Havana direct, and thence to Nassau 
and Bermuda, connecting with a steamer running once 
a month to New York, the Royal Mail steamer pro- 
ceeding direct to Southampton, England. 



30 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 



ROUTE FROM THE CITY OF MEXICO TO SAN BLAS 
AND MAZATLAN. 

From Mexico to Guadalaxara, passing tlirough 
Qu-L'retaro and Guanaxuato, the distance is about 600 
miles ; fare in stage coach, $60 ; time, six days. 

The accommodations on the route are good, houses 
of entertainment having been furnished by the stage 
proprietors. Travellers can get a cup of chocolate on 
starting in the morning ; stop at nine or ten, A. M., for 
breakfast, and then travel till six or seven P. M., when 
passengers again stop to dine. Stages run three times 
a week from the city of Mexico to Guadalaxara. 

From Guadalaxara to Mazatlan is ten days' travel, on 
mules, usually stopping over night at the following 
places : — Tequila, Mochichititla, Santa Isabel, through 
Yxtlan, Tepic, through San Lionel, Santiago, Rosa 
Morada, La Bogona, Aeaponeta, INIazatlan Viego, to 
Mazatlan. 

From Guadalaxara to Tepic is four or live days' jour- 
ney, or about 250 miles, fare, $35, rooms and food 
extra, both of which are indifferent, there being usually 
no beds, knives, forks, or spoons furnished travellers.* 

From Tepic to San Bias the distance is about 50 
miles, in a westerly direction ; usual time, one day. 

From Tepic to Mazatlan the distance is about 275 
miles, in a northwest direction ; usual time, five or six 
days. 

The price of passage from San Bias, or Mazatlan, to 

* This route, v;ith the iucrease of travel, will no doubt be im- 
proved, so as to afford aitogother one of the moet desirable land 

routes from ocean to ocean. 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 31 

San Francisco, in California, is usually $100 ; time, 
ten days, in sailing vessels. 

The price of board, at San Bias, or Mazatlan, is 
about $1 50 per day. Fare on the road, about $2 per 
day, for meals and lodging. 



ROUTE FROM THE CITY OF MEXICO TO ACAPULCO, 
ON THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 

From 
Stopping- Places. Miles. Mexico. 

Mexico 

San Augustin 10 10 

La Cruz 19 29 

Guchilague 10 39 

Cuernavaca 8 47 

Xochitepec 6 53 

Tepetlalapa 33 86 

Tuspa 22 108 

Mescala 36 144 

Venta Vleja (old inn) 11 155 

ChUpanzingo 30 185 

La Moxonera 40 225 

El Limon 33 258 

Passo d'Aguacatillo 8 266 

AcAPULco 10 276 

ACAPULCO. 

In former times, Aeapulco derived great iniportiince 
from its enjoying a monopoly of the trade between 
Manilla and the Pliihppine islands, (belonging to the 
crown of Spain,) and Mexico. The richly freighted 
Spanish galleons made its noble harbor their only 
place of resort, on the western coast, and extensive 
fairs for the sale of every description of goods, suitable 
for the market of tlie Indian Ocean, were held in the 
town. 

The harbor of Aeapulco is one of the finest in the 
world. Capt. Basil Hdl, who visited it in 1822, ex- 



32 llOUTKS TO NEW MEXICO, 

presses tlie highest professional admiration of this cele- 
brated port. He says, " it is easy of access, very capa- 
cious, the water not too deep, the holding ground quite 
free from hidden dangers, and as secure as the Ports- 
mouth dock-yard. From the interior of the harbor, 
the sea cannot be discovered ; and a stranger coming 
to the spot by land, would imagine he was looking 
over a sequestered lake." 



ROUTES FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC. 
ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC. 

Several different points have from time to time been 
proposed, as offering facilities for effecting an artificial 
communication across the Isthmus which divides the 
Atlantic from the Pacific Ocean. Those only which, 
upon examination, have been deemed worthy of much 
attention, are the Isthmus of Panama, properly so 
called ; the Isthmus of Nicaragua ; and the Isthmus of 
Tehuantepec. The latter is the point embraced in the 
project to which we have alluded, as having been re- 
cently submitted in a tangible shape, and under cir- 
cumstances which seem to promise success to the capi- 
talists of the United States. 

The individuals who have now undertaken to carry 
through this grand project, possess the privileges of 
Don Jose de Garay, who had secured to himself many 
important concessions, as well as the co-operation and 
countenance of the Mexican government. Assisted by 
competent engineers and by Mexican officers, whose 
services were placed ot his disposal, he has obtained 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 33 

an examination of the route, which, it is stated, has 
demonstrated the practicability of the undertaking. 
The privileges which lie has secured from the Mexican 
government, are as follows : — 

1st. He is to receive during a period of 50 years 
(commencing from the day that a communication shall 
have been effected between the two oceans) all the 
tolls and dues accruing from transit, both by means of 
a canal and railroads, or either, with the condition that 
one-fourth of the dues, after expenses are paid, is to be 
advanced to the government during the said 50 years ; 
for this advance the proprietors will be compensated 
by the payment of one-fourth of all dues received for 
50 years after the project shall have passed into the 
hands of the government. 

2d. A guarantee is given that for 60 years no per- 
son shall have power to employ any steam-vessel or 
steam-carriage of any kind within the Isthmus of Te- 
huantepec, without the leave or license from the said 
Don Jose de Garay, or his assigns. 

3d. The government cedes to Don Jose de Garay, 
in fee simple, the breadth of 30 miles of land on each 
side of the line of communication. These lands are 
of the first quality, embracing numerous points favor- 
able for the construction of harbors, towns, villages, 
&c., and amount to nearly five millions of acres. 

4th. The valuable privilege to purchase lands, &c., 
of establishing colonies to the extent of 50 leagues (or 
150 miles) on each side of the line in addition, with all 
rights and privileges in perfect equality with Mexican 
citizens which is not granted to other citizens. 

Upon the basis of these privileges, the proposition 
now is to form a joint-stock company for the purpose 
of executing this project. We have seen ho estimate 
of the cost ; but the shareholders ai-e assured, in gen- 
eral terms, that the speculation will yield a return of 
3 



34 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 

15 per cent. It is doubtful whether capitalists will be 
induced to lend aid to the enterprise, by any hope of 
pecuniary return. The ulterior benefits of the scheme, 
in promoting and extending commercial pursuits, may, 
liowever, lead to the necessary investment. 

Tehuantepec is now regarded, we believe, as offering 
the most feasible means of acquiring the desired com- 
munication. We quote the following statements, in 
reference to it, from a late writer in the National 
Intelligencer : — 

" Good and capacious harbors may be found at each 
extremity. The mouth of the Coatzacoalcos being 700 
metres (765 yards) wide, with never less than 21 feet 
water on its bar, is, according to Mr. Balbi, " the finest 
port formed by any one of the rivers that discharge 
themselves into the Gulf of Mexico, not even except- 
ing the Mississippi. Signor Moro has proved that a 
good harbor can be found ,on the Pacific. The country 
possesses a fine climate, and in many places a most 
fruitful soil." 

From the surveys made by Mr. Moro, a European 
engineer, under the direction of Senor Garay, the fol- 
lowing facts in relation to the route have been obtain- 
ed. We quote from the petition of P. A. Hargous and 
others, which has been presented to the United States 
Senate. 

"From these surveys, it is established that the entire 
distance from sea to sea is 135 miles in a straight line, 
and presents a wide plain from the mouth of the Coat- 
zacoalcos to the port of the Mesa de Tarifa, a table or 
elevated plain on the line of the Andes, which rises to 
the height'of 650 feet above the level of the sea, and at 
the distance of five miles again descends to a plain 
which reaches the Pacific. The summit level to be over- 
come is only 650 feet. Thirty miles of the river Coat- 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON, Oo 

zacoalcos are navigable for ships of the largest class, 
and 15 miles beyond this for vessels of light di-aught, 
leaving only about 115 miles of railroad to be made. 
It would occupy too much space to enumerate all the 
details of these surveys, and which go to show so 
strongly how easily a railroad can be constructed across 
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. It is sufficient to say 
that the absolute practicability has been clearly ascer- 
tained." 

The distance from the mouth of the Mississippi to 
San Francisco, by the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, is 
3,300 miles ; by the Isthmus of Panama, 5,000 : thus 
showing that the route by the Isthmus of Tehuante- 
pec is 1 , 700 miles shorter than by Panama. The dis- 
tance from New York, by the Isthmus of Tehuante- 
pec, is 4,750 miles ; by the Isthmus of Panama, 5,850 ; 
making the route by Tehuantepec, from New York to 
San Francisco, 1,100 miles shorter than by the Isthmus 
of Panama. 



ROUTE FROM SAN JUAN DE NICARAGUA, THROUGH 
CENTRAL AMERICA, TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 

This route is said to be perfectly practicable, and is, 
perhaps, preferable to some routes much more in vogue. 
The port of San Juan, situated at the mouth of the 
river San Juan, the outlet of Lake Nicaragua, is a 
small town now in possession of the English, who hold 
it in behalf of the Musquito king, or chief, whose peo- 
ple inhabit the eastern coast bordering on the Caribean 
Sea. It is said to be much more healthy than Chagres, 
and has a number of white inhabitants. 

From San Juan to the port of St. Carlos, on Lake 
Nicaragua, by the way of the river, is about 100 miles, 



36 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 

and the passage is made in canoes called bungles, which 
are very large, some of them capable of carrying 800 
hides at a load, and are rowed by twelve or fifteen men. 
The navigation of the river is obstructed by falls and 
rapids, but not so much as to prevent the passage of 
these canoes, which are dragged up the edge of the 
rapids, close along the shore. It is said that a steam- 
boat of light draft of water would be able to ascend 
the stream without much difficulty. On reaching the 
lake, the canoes are propelled by sails, and can pro- 
ceed eighty miles to the city of Grenada, from whence 
to the port of Realejo, on the Pacific, there is a good 
road. 

DISTANCK FROM SAN JUAN DE NICARAGUA TO REALEJO, VIA PROPOSED 

CANAL, 

Length of the River San Juan 100 miles. 

" Lake of Nicaragua 90 " 

" River Tipitapa 20 " 

" Lake of Leon 35 " 

" proposed canal to Realejo 29 " 

Total length of the communieation between the two seas, 274 miles. 

Of the above distance, only about one-third would 
require to be worked, in order to enable vessels of a 
large class to pass from ocean to ocean. 

The distance of the proposed route from San Juan 
de Nicaragua to San Juan del Sud, on the Pacific, is 
about 100 miles less. 

TROPOSED CANAL. 

There are two projects for a canal on this line. One 
is, to connect the port of Realejo, on the Pacific, with 
Lake Leon, which is said to join that of Nicaragua by 
a navigable stream. The other project is, to join Ni- 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 3*7 

caragua Lake by a direct cut with the Gulf of Papa- 
gayo, on the Pacific. 

The Lake of Leon, 35 miles long and 15 miles 
wide, is said to be quite deep enough for vessels of a 
large size ; and as it is of higher elevation above the 
Pacific than that of Nicaragua, it would serve as an 
upper basin for the supply of water required to feed a 
canal of large dimensions carried from the head of the 
lake into the Bay of Realejo. 

The second project, and more direct course, is from 
Lake Nicaragua to San Juan del Sud, situated on the 
Gulf of Paragayo. It is stated that the distance is 
only 16 miles across, and though the intervening coun- 
try be laid down in many maps as mountainous, the 
greatest actual height of any part above the level of 
the lake is only nineteen feet, as was proved by a series 
of 347 levels, about 100 yards apart, taken in 1781. 
The difference of the levels of the two oceans was as- 
certained by Humboldt not to exceed twenty, or at 
most, twenty-two feet. 

While the port of Realejo is represented as one of the 
best in the world, it is said that on the Papagayo coast 
the shore is so bold that a frigate may anchor within a 
few yards of the beach. Sailing vessels, however, find 
it very difficult to enter the Gulf or port of Juan del 
Sud at certain seasons of the year, during which a 
strong wind continually blows off the land. 



38 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 



CHAGRES. 



As you approach this port from the north, you can 
see nothing of the harbor or town until you are abreast 
of it. • The first thing visible is an old fortification, sit- 
uated on a high cliff jutting far into the sea, on the 
northern side of the town. The bar at the entrance of 
the harbor extends from the extreme northern point of 
this port, in a line nearly due south. It is said there is 
always twelve or fourteen feet water on the bar, and 
that the harbor will contain eight or ten sail of vessels. 

The town of Chagres is built of cane, with thatched 
roofs. The population consists principally of native 
blacks, numbering from 1,000 to 1,500, who have most- 
ly subsisted by fishing and growing yams ; but of late 
many are employed in transporting passengers and mer- 
chandise to and from Panama. Formerly, from five to 
ten dollars was the common price for a canoe to go to 
Cruces. The canoes are of all sizes ; the largest will 
hold six or seven persons comfortably with their lug- 
gage — ^the smallest only one or two. The latter will 
run up the river to Cruces, 45 or 50 miles, in one day ; 
the largest take three or four days. The present rate 
for canoes is from ten to one hundred dollars, according 
to the size and the demand. 

From Chagres to Gorgona, a few miles below Cru- 
ces, there are no villages. For thirty miles from the 
mouth, the river is well suited for steamboat navigation 
at all seasons of the year. Wlien the river is high, a 
small steamboat might proceed to Golgona, or even to 
Cruces, about 50 miles from its mouth. 

From Golgona to Panama the distance is about 26 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 39 

miles ; the road is usually muddy and bad. From 
Cruces to Panama the distance is twenty-two miles ; 
the road is rough and bad, but usually preferred to the 
former. It takes from ten to twelve hours to perform 
the journey. Passengers crossing the Isthmus at tliis 
point, have to take one or the other roads, although it 
is stated there are other routes that miglit be select- 
ed for a railroad. The present price for saddle mules, 
from Cruces to Panama, is from ten to twenty dollars. 
For a man to carry your trunk on his back, you have 
to pay from six to ten dollars, according to size, say 
from tAyenty to seventy pounds weight. 



PANAMA. 

This is a very handsome and healthy town, contain- 
ing some five or six hundred inhabitants, and is sur- 
rounded on three sides by the sea, the remaining side 
being encompassed by a wall. Previous to the late in- 
flux by Americans, there was very little business done, 
but now it presents a lively appearance, and must con- 
tinue to increase in numbers and wealth. At no dis- 
tant period it is no doubt destined to become a large 
and flourishing city, where will congregate strangers 
from every quarter of the globe. 

" The immediate neighborhood of Panama is laid out 
in gardens, pasturage, and orchards, and there are a few 
villas which give it a polished air, and contrast prettily 
with the solemn grandeur of the forests beyond. 
These stretch entirely across the isthmus in an unbro- 
ken mass, except at ini^ervals, where the axe of the ne- 
gro has here and there cleared a space sufficient for the 



40 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 

rude hut of some solitary family, whose habitation in- 
terrupts the uniformity of the sylvan scene." 

The usual expense of travelling from ocean to ocean, 
with ordinary baggage, is as follows : — 

Hire of Cayuca from Chagres to Cruces $10 00 

Saddle mule from Cruces to Panama 5 00 

Luggage mule " " 3 00 

Total $18 00 

The United States Pacific Mail Steamship Compa- 
ni/s vessels, running from Panama to California and 
Oregon, in connection with steamers from New York 
to Chagres, will alone bring to this point an immense 
amount of business, in addition to its regular trade with 
the adjacent county, and ports along the Pacific coast. 

" The Bay of Panama is an open roadstead, yet with- 
in a short distance from the shore there is sufficient 
water at any time of the tide for large ships, and the 
most rare occurrence of a heavy gale or rolling sea, 
renders the roadstead almost as safe as a land-locked 
liarbor. In case of bad weather, there is, at the dis- 
tance of seven miles, excellent anchorage and most se- 
cure shelter at the Island of Taboga, where ships can 
both provision and water." 

STEAMBOAT ROUTE FROM CHAGRES TO GORGONA. 

The steamer Orus runs from Chagres, 22 miles up 
the river, about half way to Gorgona, from whence pas- 
sengers have now to proceed in canoes. Fare, $\0 from 
Chagres to Gorgona, with usual baggage; for extra 
baggage or freight, a further charge will be made. 

For conveyance from Gorgona or Cruces to Panama, 
a further charge of about $10 is made. 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 41 

We annex an Abstract of the Report made by Mr. 
T. Butler King, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to 
whom was referred the petition of Wm. H. Aspinwall, 
John L. Stevens, and Henry Chauncey, praying aid of 
the government of the United States to construct a 
railroad across the Isthmus of Panama. The bill ac- 
companying the report stipulates the payment of 
$250,000 per annum for twenty years to enable the 
company to complete the work, and in payment for the 
services to be rendered by the company. The report, 
after stating that the memorialists hold a charter for 
forty-nine years from the government of New Grenada, 
subject to purchase by that government at the end of 
twenty years, goes at length into a calculation of the 
advantages to our commercial interests of such a con- 
nection between the two oceans over the tedious pas- 
sages by either Cape. The report furnishes a table 
showing that European ports are 1,600 miles, or two 
weeks nearer than we are to all the other ports of the 
world, except the Atlantic ports of the American con- 
tinent north of the equator and the West Indies. The 
cause of this is, that all vessels bound from our ports 
to places south of the line, or beyond either of the 
Capes, cross the Atlantic to the Azores, or Western 
Islands, for the pui-pose of finding favorable winds, 
while vessels from British ports run down to the same 
latitude and longitude without the necessity of crossing 
the ocean, to avail themselves of the same advantages. 

The construction of the proposed railroad across the 
Isthmus, will not only do away this advantage over us 
now possessed by European commerce and navigation, 
but will turn the tide in our favor. 



42 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 

The average distance from Liverpool, London, and 
Havre, to Panama, is 4,700 miles, from New York the 
distance is 2,200 miles, from Charleston 1,500, from 
Savannah 1,400, from New Orleans and Mobile, 1,600, 
making an average distance from our principal export- 
ing Atlantic and Gulf ports, of about 1,700 miles to 
Panama. If, therefore, we admit, for the sake of argu- 
ment, that European commerce with the Pacific Ocean, 
the East India and China seas, will take the new route 
across the Isthmus, there will be a difference of 3,000 
miles in our favor. Add to this the 1,500 miles now 
against us, and we find that we shall gain by this chan- 
nel of communication, in our relative position to those 
parts of the world, a distance of 4,500 miles, or of 42 
days. In the voyage out and home we shall have the 
advantage of our European competitors 9,000 miles, 
and 84 days, as compared with the present route. 

The Report argues that the commerce of Europe 
with the East Indies, China, and the West Coast of 
America, must fall into our hands, although we do not 
see the cogency of its reasoning. A table of distances 
to various ports beyond the Capes is given, showing, 
according to the report, that the new route across the 
Isthmus will bring us more than an average of 10,000 
miles nearer to the East Indies, China, and the ports of 
South America on the Pacific, and will actually, for all 
the purposes of navigation and commercial intercourse, 
bring the ports of the West Coast of Mexico, Califor- 
nia, and Oregon, 14,000 miles nearer to us than they 
now are ! With steamers on each side of the Isthmus 
that will go fifteen miles an hour — a speed ascertained 
to be quite practicable — passengers, the mails, and small 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 43 

packages of light and valuable goods may be conveyed 
from New York to San Francisco in fourteen days, and 
from our southern ports in less time. 

The average saving of time in our commercial inter- 
course with the West Coast of America, China, and 
the East Indies, which will be effected by the construc- 
tion of the proposed railroad, is exhibited in the follow- 
ing table : — 

TABLE SHOWING THE SAVING OF TIME FROM NEW YORK BY THE NEW 
ROt'TE VIA THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA, AS COMPARED WITH THE OLD 
ROUTES VIA CAPE HORN AND THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE, TO THE 
PLACES THEREIN NAMED, ESTIMATING THE DISTANCE WHICH A COM- 
MON TRADING SHIP WILL SAIL PER DAY TO BE 110 MILES, AND CAL- 
CULATING FOR THE VOYAGE OUT AND HOME. 

. DISTANCES, ETC., 

Via Cape Passage Passage Via Isth- Passage 

From New of Good out and Via Cape out and mus of out and 

York to Hope. home. Horn. home. Panama, home. 

Miles. Days. Miles. Days. Miles. Dr.ys. 

Calcutta 17,500 318 23,000 418 13,400 244 

Canton 19,500 354 21,500 390 10,600 192 

Shanghae.... 20,000 362 22,000 400 10,400 188 

Valparaiso 12,900 234 4,800 86 

Callao 13,500 244 3,500 62 

Guayaquil 14,300 260 2,800 50 

Panama 16,000 290 2,200 36 

San Bias 17,800 322 3,800 68 

Mazatlan 18,000 326 4,000 72 

San Diego 18,500 336 4,500 82 

San Francisco 19,000 344 5,000 90 

The employment of steam vessels would render the 
contrast in our favor still more striking. 

Steamers, with a speed of twelve miles an hour, 
would go from New York, via the Isthmus, (throwing 
out the fractions) — to Calcutta in 47 days ; to Canton 
in 36 ; to Shanghae in 35 ; to Valparaiso in 17 ; to 
Callao in 12 ; to Guayaquil in 9|- ; to Panama in 8 ; to 
San Bias in 12; to Mazatlan in 13; to San Diego in 
16; to San Francisco in 18 days. 



44 ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, 

PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIP COMPANY. 

The United States Mail Steam Packets — 

The California 1,050 tons Capt. Cleveland Forbes, 

" Oregon 1,099 " " Robert H. Pearson, 

now in the Pacific. 

The Panama 1,087 " .... " William C. Stout, 

now on the way. The above vessels are intended to 
form a line from Panama to ports in California, one 
leaving Panama every month. 

Passengers in the after cabins are furnished bedding, 
but not wines and liquors, and will be allowed space 
for personal baggage, free, to the extent of 300 lbs. 
weight. Freight on excess and all other goods $50 
per ton, and one per cent on specie. 

Passage from Panama to San Bias, or Mazatlan, 2,000 miles, in 

state rooms $175 

Passage from Panama to San Diego, 3,000 miles, in state rooms 225 
Passage from Panama to San Francisco, 3,500 miles, in state 
rooms 250 

Passage in the lower cabin at a deduction of one- 
fifth from the above rates. 

Passage in the forward cabin from Panama fo either 
of the above named ports, $100, including only such 
rations as are furnished to the crew. No bedding found. 

Atlantic passengers have priority of choice of berths. 

No passage secured until paid for. Applications to 
be made at the office of the Company, New York, 54 
South-street. 



DIRECT ROUTE FROM NEW YORK TO CHAGRES. 

Steamship Crescent City. . .1,500 tons. .Capt. Charles Stoddard. 
" Empire City 2,000 " .. " J.D.Wilson. 

One of the above splendid steamships will leave New 
York for Chagres, direct, without stopping, every month, 
connecting with the above Pacific Mail Steamship Line 
running from Panama. 



CALIFORNIA, AND OREGON. 45 



TABLE OF DISTANCES 

FROM SAN DIEOO, CALIFORNIA, TO THE STRAITS OF JUAN DE FUCA, 
OREGON,— ALONG THE COAST. 

From 

Ports, (S-c. Jililcs. S. Diego. 

San Diego, N. Lat. 32 deg. 40 min 

San Juan 50 50 

San Pedro 45 95 

Santa Barbara 85 180 

Point Conception 40 220 

San Louis Obispo 50 270 

Monterey Bay 110 380 

San Francisco 90 476 

Bodega 60 530 

Cape Mendocino 180 710 

Cape Blanco 229 930 

Mouth of Columbia River 240 1,170 

Gray's Harbor 80 1,250 

Cape Flattery, entrance to Straits of Fuca 150 1,400 



FROM SAN DIEGO TO SUTER. S FORT, SACRAMENTO VALLEY. 

To Cuidad de los Augelos 120 

Santa Barbai-a. 100 220 

Monterey 240 460 

Rio San Joaquin 100 560 

Rio Stanislaus 20 580 

Suter's Fort, or New Helvetia 90 670 



STAGE ROtTE FROM VERA CRUZ TO GUADALAXARA, VIA THE CITY OF 

MEXICO. From 

Places. Miles. V. Cruz. 

Vera Cruz 

National Bridge .30 30 

Plan del Rio ]G 46 

Cerro Gordo 6 52 

Jalapa lf> 68 

LasVigas 19 87 

Perote U 98 

OjodeAgua 35 133 

Puebla 34 167 

San Martin 22 189 

RioFrio 22 211 

Cordova 14 225 

Mexico 27 252 

Arrogozara 90 342 

Queretaro 85 427 

Guanaxuato 100 527 

Lagos ^ 100 627 

EanMiguelito 90 717 

GuaDaLaxara 83 8(j0 



46 



ROUTES TO NEW MEXICO, ETC. 



From Guadalaxaiva to San Bias, about 200 miles, by- 
mule route — making this route, from ocean to ocean, 
1,000 miles. 

From San Bias to Mazatlan, by water, 200 miles. 



TABLE OF DISTANCES 

FROM CORPUS CHRISTI TO MAZATLAN, VIA SALTILLO, 

From 
Places. Miles. C. Clu-isti. 

Corpus Christi 

Comargo 150 150 

Monterey 120 270 

Saltillo 60 330 

Parras 85 415 

Durango 150 565 

Mazatlan 225 790 

From Mazatlan to San Francisco, by water, 1,200 miles. 



ESTIMATED AREA AND POPULATION. 

Square miles. Acres. Pop., 1845. 

New Mexico 202,320 130,583,040 67,000 

Upper California 448,691 287,162,240 33,000 

Oregon 341,403 218,536,320 20,000 




TEXAS AND NEW YORK LINE OF PACKETS. 

Onhj regular line between New Yorlc and Galveston, 
sailing about every ten days, viz : 



Ship STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 500 tons 

" BENJAMIN R.lvnL AM... 500 " 
« WILLIAM B.TRAVIS.... 600 « 
« J.W.FANNIN 400 " 

Bark MONT AUK 350 « 

" NORUMBEGA 350 " 



.Capt. D. N. Mos.s. 
" H. M. Allen. 

. " F. B. BOLLES. 



G. Gates. 

W. Buckingham. 



These vessels are all of the first class, and com- 
manded by able masters ^''experienced in the trade. 
They are all new, of great strength, superior finisli, and 
especially adapted to the trade. 

It is our purpose to have at all times one of our 
packets at the wharf in New York to receive freight, 
and to give quick despatch. They have ample state- 
room accommodations in the cabins, and for 2nd cabin 
and steerage passengers, large and airy apartments. 

Goods to our care will be forwarded free from com- 
mission, and the agents at Galveston will give prompt 
and careful attention to any goods to their care for the 
interior places or coast ports in Texas. 

It has been our effort to make ample provision for 
the intercourse between Galveston and New York, and 
we shall continue to supply additional tonnage, a,s the 
growth of the trade may require. 

J. H. BROWER & Co., 

45 South street. 

Agents in Galveston— 

WILLIAM HENDLY & CO., 
RICE ADAMS & CO. 

New York, March, 1849. 



NOTICE TO 

TRAVELLERS GOING TO CALIFORBJIA. 

The undersigned, Proprietor of the "General Line of Stage 
Coaches, or Diligences," in Mexico, respectfully begs leave to in- 
form the public of the United States of America, that this Line of 
Coaches is constantly running from Vera Cruz to the city of Gauda- 
lajara, distance about 800 miles, in eleven days. 

From Gaudalajara the travellers go on horseback to the Pacific— to 
San Bias, 200 miles ; or to Mazatlan, 350 miles. At both ports the 
United States Mail Steamers, on their way to San Francisco, will 
touch for passengers ; and besides, there are always found in these 
ports abundance of sailing vessels. 

The travellers by the stage coaches from Vera Cruz reach Gauda- 
lajara in eleven days, passing through the most important and inter- 
esting cities and towns of Mexico, and the most cultivated and popu- 
lous part of the country. 

The stage coaches stop every evening for the night at the post- 
houses, which are stationed as follows :— 

At Jalapa A City. 

Perote Town and Fortress. 

PuEBLA Large City. 

Mexico Capital City of the Repubhc. 

Arrogozara Large Town. 

Queretaro Manufacturmg Town. 

Guanajuato Chief City of the Mining District. 

Lagos Central point of the Republic. 

San Miouelito Small Town. 

Gaudalajara A large town. 

In each of these regular stations there is a commodious Hotel, be- 
longing to the proprietor of the line, kept in excellent style, and 
where travellers find every comfort at a moderate charge. 
The stage fare for one seat from Vera Cruz through to Gau- 
dalajara, is $110 00 

Meals and lodging through, spending two nights in the city 
of Mexico, and one night at each of all the other stations, 29 50 

Total expense for one passenger from Vera Cruz to Guadala- 

jara $139 50 

The State of Gaudalajara is making a great efl()rt to establish a car- 
riage road from that city to Mazatlan and to San Bias. It is expected 
that both roads will soon be finished. As soon as this is done the 
proprietor of the stage coaches will extend the line to those places ; 
and then it will cross the continent, from Vera Ci-uz to Mazatlan, in 
fourteen or fifteen days only. In the meantime travellers can procure 
at Gaudalajara horses for themselves and their baggage, at a cheap 
rate, to continue their journey to Mazatlan or San Bias. 

All the coaches of the line are of the best class, and built in the 
State of New York, expressly for this line, by the best makers : they 
.are fine, strong coaches, where passengers seat most comfortably, with 
plenty elbow room. The drivers are all selected for their capacity 
and honesty, and they are attentive and obliging men, to whom the 
roads and localities are perfectly familiar. 

Any further information that may be desired v.'ill be given by the 
Proprietors Agent at Vera Cruz, Mr. John Bell ; or at New York, 
by Mr. A. Patrullo, Llerchant, 71 Water-street. 

A. 2iUItUTU2JA, Fr®p}fietor. 
Mexico, February 12, 1843. 



I 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




016 099 810 6 



